adminMehluli Sibanda Acting Sports Editor
ZIMBABWE boys put up a splendid show at the Copa Coca-Cola regional training camp which concluded at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria, South Africa last Friday. Gifford High School striker Tafadzwa Dhliwayo won the Team Player of the Tournament and Prince Edward’s Rodwell Manhungo took the Goalkeeper of the Tournament accolade, making it three times in a row that this award has come to Zimbabwe, following in the footsteps of Paul Makotore of Mzingwane and Tatenda Munditi of Chemhanza.
The 2015 camp, which was played under the unity theme, addressing all ills in society such as xenophobic tendencies and soccer had a new format where all countries trained together and the country teams were broken and players placed in four teams including all nations. The winning team included four Zimbabwean players, captain and defender Douglas Mapfumo of Chemhanza, Guinea Fowl striker Joe Moyo, midfielder Ishmael Nyanhi from Rujeko and Dhliwayo of Gifford.
Dhliwayo who almost missed the trip due to delays with his passport was so moved by being crowned as the best player.
“I almost missed this trip, thank you so much Coca-Cola. God wanted me to know something,’’ sad Dhliwayo.
Former players in Copa Coca-Cola and Zimbabwean soccer personalities now at Pretoria University in South Africa, which houses the High Performance Centre, Zimbabwe national team goalkeeper Washington Arubi, defender Partson Jaure and Pretoria University goalkeepers coach Tendai Tanyanyiwa met the boys and encouraged them to be focused at such a young age if they harbour hopes of going far with their soccer careers.
The Copa Coca-Cola South Africa camp is the pinnacle of this year’s Copa Coca-Cola tournament in Southern Africa, which annually sees more that 1.3 million teenagers compete in over 60 different countries globally. The gathering of youngsters which is spearheaded by Coca-Cola kicked off last Monday and involved 67 teenagers from seven southern African countries including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Swaziland and Lesotho.
During this year’s Copa Coca-Cola Camp, the teenagers learned about and experienced modern training methods from some of the continent’s most respected football icons such as former Leeds United defender Lucas Radebe, former South African goalkeeper Andre Arendse as well as 1996 Africa Cup of Nations winning coach Clive Barker. Not only were the future football stars taught the best football training techniques, but they also received essential guidelines on the importance and being healthy and active.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwean lads returned home from South Africa yesterday.
Online Reporter